Nice that people are getting excited about apples here. That time of the year.
I think that as grown here Golden Russet is a consistent winner in taste tests- it's one of the most popular antiques. I have even read in the trades about its special desirability as a sweet cider apple where contest winners credit lots of GR in the mix for their exceptional product. Wouldn't think of it as a hard cider apple though.
It is one of the richest apples I've ever eaten and although It's acidic compared to many modern varieties- it is still extremely sweet when fully ripe- it's actually syrupy. However, it is called Golden Russet for a reason- not Emerald Russet. If it's green it can't be ripe.
What I don't like about it is that it attracts coddling moths and hornets like a welcome sign. It is not the easiest to grow under a low-spray program. It also takes a long time to come into bearing on my rootstock of choice, 111.
[NAFEX] Golden Russet apple in Z5-6 NY,
Alan Haigh, 10/13/2009